CONTROVERSIAL SNP plans to appoint a ‘state guardian’ for every child in Scotland will face a legal challenge.

Alex Salmond's government says guardian plan will protect children [PA]

The Christian Institute said it would mount a £30,000 court bid to block Scottish Government proposals to give every youngster a named official to check on their upbringing.

The announcement came as Holyrood was expected to pass the contentious legislation.

Campaigners fear the powers undermine parental responsibilities and could be used to remove children from families if they do not match a Government-approved lifestyle.

Under the proposal, the NHS will appoint a health worker to act as a ‘named person’ for every child until the age of five.

The responsibility will then pass to councils until the child reaches 18, with teachers expected to be asked to take on the role.

Alex Salmond's administration claims it will ensure any potential cases of abuse or developmental difficulties are spotted and acted upon at an early stage.

But many claim it would breach the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).

Human rights expert Aidan O'Neill QC had told the group the SNP scheme fails to protect against "arbitrary and oppressive" powers the Government may use.

Christian Institute Director Colin Hart: "This is a dreadful extension of the state’s tentacles into family life.

“Churches, lawyers and parents opposed this. But we are faced with the arrogance of a politically correct pseudo elite intent on stamping their unrepresentative views on the people of Scotland.

“We have no option but to challenge this illegal law all the way."

The group is also hoping to have the matter to the UK Supreme Court to decide whether it is legal for the Scottish Parliament to enact the Bill.

Mr Hart added: "We do not take such action lightly. However, there is a clear need to take such an unusual step.

"This is Big Brother politics writ large. Ordinary Scots should be very afraid."

Colin Hart of the Christian Institute has announced legal challenge [PA]

This is Big Brother politics writ large. Ordinary Scots should be very afraid

Christian Institute Director Colin Hart

The group is also hoping to have the matter to the UK Supreme Court to decide whether it is legal for the Scottish Parliament to enact the Bill.

Mr Hart added: "We do not take such action lightly. However, there is a clear need to take such an unusual step.

"This is Big Brother politics writ large. Ordinary Scots should be very afraid."

Earlier Tory MSP Liz Smith, who is spearheading opposition to the move, warned a legal challenge was almost certain.

She told MSPs: "We believe the policy is wrong in principle, that it does not have conclusive supporting evidence and has not been properly costed."

Ms Smith said ministers should have paid heed to the “extensive opposition” to the proposal, but said instead they seemed “intent on turning a blind eye and pursuing a policy that would be extremely damaging and undermine the role of parents and families”.

But a series of last ditch ammendments to water down the plans were defeated by 51 votes to 69.

The Scottish Government claims the Children and Young People (Scotland) Bill will make the country the best place in the world to grow up.

It also includes measures that will increase the amount of free childcare available to three and four-year-olds and vulnerable two-year-olds to 600 hours a year.

But the Law Society of Scotland, Faculty of Advocates, Church of Scotland, Free Church of Scotland and the Evangelical Alliance have all criticised the Bill’s state guardian proviso.

The Scottish Government is confident the proposals in the Bill are compatible with existing legislation and best practice.

Children’s Minister Aileen Campbell has said appointing a named person for every child would help “provide a safety net for those who need one”.